Politics
What imported gas will mean for homes and businesses
The government's plan has triggered an explosive row over the difference between a tax and a levy.
'Nakedly political': No rivals considered for Collins' new job
The outgoing minister was the only person considered for Law Commission president - with no recruitment process and no other candidates. Audio
Government increases number of space launches to 1000 per year
The government is increasing the number of space launches allowed from 100 to 1000. Space Operations New Zealand CEO and Aerospace New Zealand committee member Robin McNeill spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Questions over appointment of Judith Collins to Law Commission
Judith Collins' appointment as President of the Law Commission was waved through by Cabinet - with no recruitment process, no selection panel and no rival candidates. Acting political editor Craig… Audio
Coalition promises to snuff out feared 'water tax' for farmers
The government has promised to change a contentious clause in legislation the could leave the door open to a future water tax for farmers.
LNG plan sparks showdown in parliament
The Government's LNG plan has triggered an explosive row over the difference between a tax and a levy, but the major question is whether it will keep the lights on Audio
Judge must have known she was yelling at Winston Peters, NZ First MP says
Judge Ema Aitken is accused of disrupting an event, yelling at Winston Peters and calling him a liar.
Public Service Amendment Bill reignites diversity debate
The Public Service Amendment Bill is back from Select Committee, reigniting debate on the culture war flashpoint - diversity, equity and inclusion.
Peters promises to campaign on a referendum on Maori seats
Winston Peters has revived an old policy, promising to campaign on a referendum on the Maori seats. The opposition is calling it cynical race-baiting. Russell Palmer reports. Audio
NZ First MP says judge must have known she was yelling at Deputy PM
New Zealand First MP Casey Costello has told a Judicial Conduct Panel that the judge accused of disrupting a political party event must have known she was yelling at the then-Deputy Prime Minister… Audio
Reserve Bank review originally supposed to be completed by March
The review into RBNZ's monetary policy decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic is now set to be published in September.
Warnings of shortage over immigration settings for bus drivers
Wellington councillors, industry groups and workers are sounding the alarm over immigration settings for bus drivers, warning of a looming shortage. A residency pathway for bus drivers, announced in… Audio
NZ First to campaign on Māori seats referendum
Te Pāti Māori has slammed the decision as "race baiting".
Wellington's mayor promises to cut commercial rates
However, even a modest reduction in commercial rates could push residential rates up by around 4 percent.
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 12 February 2026
New numbers out this morning paint a picture of a strengthening economy, but Labour isn't convinced and says the government is trying to distract from its poor economic performance by playing… Audio
Willis challenges Labour to keep Investment Boost policy if elected
Finance Minister Nicola Willis talked up the policy's effects so far in a speech to the New Zealand Economic Forum in Hamilton. Audio
Willis urges former Reserve Bank governor Orr to front up in new inquiry
The government recently announced an independent review into the central bank's actions during the pandemic, including official cash rate cuts, money printing and its interactions with government…
Labour says govt playing politics with Reserve Bank inquiry
New numbers out this morning paint a picture of a strengthening economy, but Labour isn't convinced and says the government is trying to distract from its economic performance by playing politics with… Audio
Ministers want to bypass own fast-track law to speed up new gas terminal
A proposed LNG terminal will bypass even the fast-track process in order to be built in time. Audio
